tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175681583743369857.post6299645791893639792..comments2017-09-26T19:58:12.766+04:00Comments on EL Ethos: Lessons must be learnt from Iraq war: UK PM CameronGeo Kokhttps://plus.google.com/111683365675203687716noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175681583743369857.post-24805660543766220232016-07-06T19:39:28.086+04:002016-07-06T19:39:28.086+04:00Blair promised Bush unconditional support to invad...Blair promised Bush unconditional support to invade Iraq in 2003...<br /><br />A confidential memo sent by former British prime minister Tony Blair to then United States President George W. Bush expressed full support for an invasion of Iraq, according to an official report released Wednesday by an inquiry into the 2003 Iraq War.<br /><br />&quot;I&#39;ll be with you, whatever,&quot; Tony Blair wrote to George W. Bush in a memo dated July 28, 2002 _ eigh months before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.<br /><br />The information was published by the Iraq Inquiry, referred to as the Chilcot report, which is a public inquiry into the United Kingdom&#39;s role in the Iraq War between 2001 and 2009.<br /><br />The Inquiry, which was announced in 2009, was pursued by a council of senior advisers _ called Privy Counselors _ and chaired by John Chilcot.<br /><br />In the same memo offering unconditional support, Blair advised that Bush seek a resolution from the United Nations authorizing armed action, which ultimately was never issued.<br /><br />&quot;The planning on this and the strategy are the toughest yet,&quot; Blair said.<br /><br />&quot;This is not Kosovo,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;This is not Afghanistan.&quot;<br /><br />In the document, Blair, who ruled from 1997 to 2007, acknowledged he was not sure he could guarantee the UK&#39;s support for Bush&#39;s plan to attack and overthrow then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.<br /><br />&quot;In Britain, right now I couldn&#39;t be sure of support from Parliament, Party, public or even some of the Cabinet,&quot; Blair wrote.<br /><br />He also warned of possible negative consequences: &quot;If we win quickly, everyone will be our friend. If we don&#39;t and they haven&#39;t been bound in beforehand, recriminations will start fast.&quot;<br /><br />Among other documents, a total 29 private correspondences between Bush and Blair from 2001 to 2007 were released.<br />EFE<br />6/7/16Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com